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Gastric ulcers most common equine insurance claim, data shows
Image: Horse owner concerned about costs
Digestive disorders were the most commonly claimed ailment for the second year.

Digestive disorders including ulcers top the list for second year running.

Data collected by horse insurance brokers has identified that gastric ulcers were the most commonly claimed ailment in 2022.

The data, compiled by SEIB Insurance Brokers, revealed that digestive disorders including colic and gastric ulcers were the top cause for claims for the second year running.

Of this group, gastric ulcers were the most commonly claimed digestive disorder with 59 per cent claims relating to this.

A breakdown of gastric ulcer claims revealed that 37 per cent of claims cost over £3,000, with 5 per cent reaching £5,000.

The next most common claim was external trauma from fields and stables, followed by external trauma from riding.

External trauma (from any source) contributed 56 per cent of all equine claims made, with 17 per cent of these claims reaching costs of £3,000.

This was then followed by degenerative diseases, including skin disease, which had an average claim cost of £2,435.

Disease of the teeth, jaws and gums also featured in the top ten ailments list, alongside medical colic and sarcoids, melanoma and tumours.

The cost of living crisis has changed the way horse owners care for their horses, with a World Horse Welfare survey revealing that 20 per cent of horse owners cutting horse care expenditures, including insurance.

SEIB is urging owners to get adequate horse insurance to shield them from the effects of unexpected costs.

SEIB’s marketing manager Nicolina MacKenzie said: “There are so many wonderful advances in veterinary treatment and technology which help our horses live longer, happier and healthier lives. However, this has resulted in the cost of treatments going up significantly meaning that having correct and effective insurance for our horses is more important than ever before.

“We never know what is around the corner, but insurance helps ensure the wellbeing of our horses and provides peace of mind to horse owners.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.